Chargers QB Justin Herbert out for year after finger surgery
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will miss the rest of the season because of a finger injury. And his loss continues a dreadful trend for the NFL’s marquee names.
The NFL Network reported the news Tuesday morning. Herbert had surgery to repair a broken index finger on his right hand. Easton Stick will step up on the depth chart.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley confirmed Monday that Justin Herbert had a broken finger on his throwing hand. He fractured the finger during his team’s 24-7 loss to the Broncos, Sunday afternoon. The Chargers will place him on injured reserve, meaning he’ll miss the rest of the season.
Injuries to quarterbacks have been brutal this season. Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles on the fourth play of the Jets season opener. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered a similar injury in October. Deshaun Watson had season-ending shoulder surgery. Joe Burrow tore a ligament in his wrist in November and is out for the season. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, who started for the Colts, also needed shoulder surgery.
Daniel Jones of the Giants underwent neck surgery. Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett may be back by season’s end after having an ankle procedure a week ago.
Justin Herbert was highest-paid player in NFL until Burrow’s deal
Staley and the Chargers will turn to Stick, who is in his fifth season in the NFL. Although he has years under his belt, he hasn’t experienced many live snaps. He’s appeared in two career games, including this past Sunday when he completed 13 of his 24 passes for 179 yards.
The Chargers wanted to forget this season, even before the Justin Herbert news. The season started with such optimism, given the Chargers made the playoffs last year. At the start of preseason training camp, the Chargers signed Herbert to a $252 million contract extension. At the time, the contract made Herbert the highest-paid player in NFL history. That distinction lasted for a few weeks until Burrow’s deal surpassed Herbert’s.
Stick and the Chargers don’t have a ton of time to get ready. The team plays the Raiders on Thursday Night Football. The Chargers are 5-8 and playoffs don’t seem doable. They’re headed into week 14 two games out qualifing for the seventh and final playoff berth.